USC Freshman Loses Eye During 'No Kings' Protest, Plans Lawsuit Against DHS

Tucker Collins alleges a DHS officer is responsible for his life-altering injury at a downtown LA rally.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:07am

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A fractured, abstract painting of a person in motion, their body repeated in overlapping waves of deep blue, violet, and crimson, conveying the chaos and violence of a protest confrontation.A USC student's lawsuit against the DHS could set a precedent for how law enforcement interacts with protesters in the future.Los Angeles Today

An 18-year-old USC freshman named Tucker Collins is preparing to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after losing an eye during a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Los Angeles last month. Collins claims he was struck by a projectile fired by a DHS officer, despite the agency's assertion that officers followed protocol and only used minimum force against 'rioters' at the event.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for escalation between law enforcement and demonstrators during protests, as well as the complex legal questions around the appropriate use of force by authorities against civilians. Collins' lawsuit could set a precedent for future interactions between police and protesters.

The details

According to Collins' account, he was at the rally to take photos and witness the event when he was struck in the eye by a projectile fired by a DHS officer. Video footage shows him falling to the ground 'screaming in agony.' Collins now wears an eye patch and has been told he will have a 'dead eye' for the rest of his life. DHS claims officers followed training and used minimum force, alleging 'rioters' threw rocks, bottles, and cement blocks at them. However, Collins disputes that any dispersal orders were given. His attorney has called for a criminal investigation into the shooting.

  • The incident occurred just over two weeks ago near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles.
  • Collins was injured during a 'No Kings' rally on April 1, 2026.

The players

Tucker Collins

An 18-year-old USC freshman who lost an eye after being struck by a projectile fired by a DHS officer during a 'No Kings' protest in downtown Los Angeles.

V. James DeSimone

The attorney representing Tucker Collins, who has called for a criminal investigation into the shooting.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency whose officer allegedly fired the projectile that struck and injured Tucker Collins.

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What they’re saying

“I was screaming in agony after being struck. I now wear an eye patch and have been told I will have a 'dead eye' for the rest of my life.”

— Tucker Collins, USC Freshman

“We have called for a criminal investigation into the shooting by local officials, including the mayor of Los Angeles and the police chief.”

— V. James DeSimone, Attorney for Tucker Collins

“Those at the rally were 'rioters' who threw rocks, bottles, and cement blocks at officers. We followed our training and used the minimum force necessary.”

— DHS Spokesperson

What’s next

Collins' attorney, V. James DeSimone, has called for a criminal investigation into the shooting by local officials, including the mayor of Los Angeles and the police chief. The outcome of Collins' upcoming federal civil rights lawsuit could set a precedent for future interactions between law enforcement and protesters.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for escalation between law enforcement and demonstrators during protests, as well as the complex legal questions around the appropriate use of force by authorities against civilians. Collins' lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for how such incidents are handled in the future.